Back in 1995, a young boy had a favourite film and we were first introduced to Toy Story and some amazing characters including Buzz Lightyear, now we get the movie with Lightyear in IMAX, and we bring you our review of the movie based on the toy from the extremely popular franchise from Pixar.
As the opening sequence tells us before the film starts Lightyear is the film that a young Andy in Toy Story loved so much that he had to have the Buzz Lightyear toy, so unlike the Toy Story movies Lightyear is based on the character of the movie that inspired Andy in the film that we were first introduced to Buzz, that may sound a little confusing but you’ll get the gist when you see the film for yourself.
Lightyear starts off with Space Rangers Buzz (Chris Evans), Alisha Hawthorne (Uzo Aduba) and new recruit Featheringhamstan (Bill Hader) landing on a planet to investigate it, we get some great Buzz moments with him recording his logs much like he did when we were introduced to the toy of the character back in 1995.
But the planet isn’t as safe as they think and soon after they are attacked by strange creatures, as they try to leave the planet they are forced to crash land on the planet and try to recreate a crystal that allows them to travel through space, but things don’t always go to plan and in time timey-winey stuff, Buzz Lightyear tests the crystals but his minutes in space become years on the planet.
Some minutes (years) later, Buzz’s final unauthorised test brings him crashing again and this time he meets Izzy Hawthorne (Keke Palmer) who is the granddaughter of Alisha, they get together with Mo Morrison (Taika Waititi), Darby Steel (Dale Soules) and let’s not forget the adorable SOX (Peter Sohn) to save the future of the colony and defeat the evil ZURG (James Brolin).
I have to say that I wasn’t really sure about a movie that took us away from the Buzz that we have all come to love from 1995 that was voiced by Tim Allen, but I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by the film, there is plenty of comedy throughout the 1h 40m run time, which is mainly from Taika Waititi’s character and it works great.
The story is someone of a simple one of a character being stranded and trying to get home, but the story works well with the stunning CGI and the IMAX E.A.R. (Expanded Aspect Ratio) that takes you deeper into the work of Buzz Lighter and his journey.
One thing that really stood out for me is some of the Easter Eggs that are in the film, such as when Buzz attempts to reach Star Command by saying, “Buzz Lightyear to Star Command, respond. Why don’t they answer?” which is taken straight out of Toy Story.
Lightyear To IMAX and Beyond!
Although Lightyear is shot in a 2:39.1 ratio there are so many moments during the IMAX release that open up to bring us a more immersive visual during the film, such as the opening sequence of the film and moments when Buzz is testing out the light drive and this looks stunning on the huge screen.
The film was made to be experienced in IMAX because, for the first time ever for both IMAX and Pixar, Lightyear has been formatted exclusively for IMAX cinemas and will fill the entire screen with IMAX expanded aspect ratio, as intended by director Angus MacLane.
Lightyear has been digitally re-mastered into the image and sound quality of the IMAX Experience with proprietary IMAX DMR (Digital Re-mastering) technology. The crystal-clear images, coupled with IMAX’s customised cinema geometry and powerful sound system, create a completely immersive environment that will put audiences directly into the action. Audiences will be delivered up to 26% more image than standard cinemas in exclusive 1:43:1 or 1.90:1 aspect ratio.
Not only do we get the great visuals of the IMAX we also get a superb IMAX 6-track soundtrack that accompanies the visuals with deep rumbling explosions and engine sounds to the subtle sounds of background noise that all adds to the IMAX experience, this also has the superb music by Michael Giacchino (Rogue One, UP).
Are there post-credit scenes in Lightyear?
Yes there are, there are three scenes, the first one is a comical moment with the “Lazer Shield” and the second one is of the confused android DERIC at the blackboard still trying to remember the right route for the mission, you have to wait for third and although you may not think another scene is coming it comes right after the Disney logo and the IMAX screen, I won’t give this one away as it is a bit of spoiler but if you can sit through the entire credits the final quick scene is worth seeing, all I can say is Lightyear 2?.
To IMAX and Beyond!
Movie title: Lightyear
Movie description: While spending years attempting to return home, marooned Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear encounters an army of ruthless robots commanded by Zurg who are attempting to steal his fuel source.
Date published: June 20, 2022
Country: UK
Duration: 1h 40m
Director(s): Angus MacLane
Actor(s): Chris Evans (voice), Keke Palmer (voice), Peter Sohn (voice), James Brolin (voice)
Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure
Karen Woodham is the founder and owner of the Blazing Minds. She is also a Cinema reviewer and works with RealD 3D reviewing the latest 3D releases and IMAX, she has also had several articles published in various publications including the first edition of SFW Magazine. In 2015 she became an Award Winning Blogger and also has her website listed as one of the UK’s Top 10 Film Blogs.
